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Q.1) What does Anorexia mean? |
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Ans : Anorexia means
loss of appetite.
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Q.2) Whom does it affect the most?
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Ans: It is most common among adolescents, adults and elderly people
and is more prevalent among females. Male adults who have a
busy schedule or have tensed
personalities usually get affected.
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Q.3) What are the causes of Anorexia? |
Ans:
The causes are
- Acute febrile illness
- Chronic infections: Tuberculosis
- Decreased metabolic function as in:
Addison's
disease, (Primary hypoadrenalism)
Hypothyroidism, (decreased thyroid function)
Simmond's disease. (Adult
Panhypopituitarism.)
- Local causes such as:
Decreased Hydrochloric acid
secretion
Carcinoma of stomach
Chronic
gastritis
Pernicious anemia
- Psychic causes: Mental worry, fear, Anorexia nervosa.
- Deficiency of vitamins: Particularly B-complex.
- Physiological anorexia occurs due to:
Inactive
life
Irregular eating and
drinking
Excess of carbohydrate food in between meals.
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Q.4)What are the symptoms of Anorexia? |
Ans:
The symptoms are
- Loss of appetite.
- Loss of weight (if chronic).
- Loss of texture of hair - rough and easily falling.
- Muscle wasting.
- Absence of menses.
- If near or during puberty, the adult sexual characteristics may be absent or
delayed.
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Q.5) What are the related signs? |
Ans:
The signs are- Pale, wrinkled face
- Sunken abdomen (Inverted saucer-like)
- Sunken eyes may have dark circles.
- Swollen ankles
- Mental apathy and confusion.
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Q.6)What investigations are done? |
Ans: The investigations carried out are
- Complete Blood count
- Blood Smear.
- ESR .
- Chest X-ray.
- Specific tests for other Systemic causes.
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Q.7) What are the treatment measures? |
Ans:
Drugs generally used are
- Appetizers
- Multivitamins.
- Anabolic steroids, if required.
- Specific treatment: Depends on
the underlying cause.
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Q.8) What is the prognosis? |
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Ans: The prognosis depends on the underlying cause.
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Q.9) How can Anorexia be prevented? |
Ans:
It can be prevented by following
- Proper food habits from childhood.
- Keeping the atmosphere relaxed at meal times.
- Counseling teens to get rid of the fad of becoming thin.
- Informing them about the risks of starvation.
- Having at least one complete meal with the family.
- Being imaginative when preparing food, especially for children.
- Avoiding too many snacks and excessive fluids between meals.
- Telling them about the importance of proper weight gain according to age and
nutrition.
- Planning proper diet program, may be with the help of a dietician.
- Having mental peace and calmness; emotional support by family and friends.
- Taking psychologist's help.
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Q.10) Important things one should know about Anorexia? |
Ans: The important things that one should know
are
- Diet should consist of appetizing food and intake of sweets between
meals should be avoided.
- One should not hurry while having meals.
- Regular exercise is necessary.
- Intake of fresh air.
- Avoidance of smoking and alcohol.
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